: John E. Stapleford
: Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves Applying Christian Ethics in Economics
: IVP Academic
: 9780830897148
: 3
: CHF 23.50
:
: Management
: English
: 355
: Wasserzeichen
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
Self-interest, economic efficiency and private property rights are among the most basic assumptions of market economics. But can an economic theory built on these assumptions alone provide adequate insight into human nature, motivation and ultimate goals to guide our economic life?John Stapleford says no, along with those economists who recognize the limits of their discipline. He insightfully shows us in detail how ethics are inextricably intertwined with economic life and analysis. Writing from a Christian ethical perspective, he interacts with seven standard introductory economics texts, exploring the moral challenges embedded in various macro-, micro- and international economic theories and outlining a faithful response to them.The third edition includes two new chapters on economics as a science and global poverty plus expanded discussions of entitlements, government debt, healthcare reform and immigration reform. Keyed to seven of the most widely used introductory economics texts-Gwartney, Stroup Sobel; Mankiw; Mansfield Behravesh; McConnell Brue; Miller; Samuelson Nordhaus; and Stiglitz-this book will be especially useful for introductory courses in economics.

John E. Stapleford (PhD, University of Delaware) is president of the Caesar Rodney Institute, an education nonprofit. He is also principle in DECON First and a professor emeritus of economic development with Eastern University. Previously he was an associate director and senior economist with Moody's Analytics.

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Grid Work


A Theological and Ethical Framework


Economic life in all its ramifications is of profound ethical significance. This is so because of scarcity which gives rise to conflict, because of interdependence which creates mutual obligations, because of the wide range of values sought through economic activity, and because of the significance for human life of the economic process itself.

HOWARD BOWEN

Where do economists get their ethical systems?
 My answer is: wherever they can find them.

GEORGE STIGLER

It’s not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand
 that bother me, but those I do.

MARK TWAIN

SYNOPSIS:Beginning with creation and the fall, proceeding through the old and new covenants, this chapter summarizes what God has to say about our economic lives. In addition to the mandate to care for the poor, God provides directives on everything from private property rights to the accumulation of wealth. As Christians, we are to consider these ethical guidelines as we engage in economic affairs, keeping in mind always that it is by grace we are saved.

What does God have to do with economics? As Christians, should we conduct our economic lives in a particular way?

God has provided many avenues for exploring these questions. Through the death and resurrection of Christ we know we have the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer we have access to God where we can ask him to open our minds to his will and to a greater fullness of life in Christ. We have encouragement and insights from our fellowship with believers. And we have church doctrine, the result of prayer, study and meditation over the centuries.

Finally, and most important, we have Scripture, which brings us the words “spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Pet 3:2). Scripture “never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:21). In quoting from the Psalms, Jesus tells us that David was “speaking by the Holy Spirit” (Mk 12:36). Paul tells us that the “God-breathed” Scripture is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). That includeseconomic works.

God makes it quite clear that we are to know his Word and apply it in our lives. In the Old Testament God continually warns the people of Israel of the terrible consequences of not observing his commandments.

But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you . . . abhor my laws . . . I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. (Lev 26:14-17)

If we forsake the Lord, he will forsake us, leaving us exposed and ever fearful. And while he brings us grace, Jesus also did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill. He warns that whoever breaks even one of the least of the commandments will be called least in the kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:17-19). “If you love me,” Jesus states, “keep my commands” (Jn 14:15).

But we have promises as well as warnings. Jesus says that “e